Dunia is a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence. Dunia was trafficked by her ownmother at an early age; she was forced to work in different bars every night and perform sex actswith multiple customers. Her mother used to force her to drink alcoholic beverages before shestarted working in order to numb her. Although Dunia wasn’t safe in her own home; she hadnowhere to go.

Through time, going to school helped her understand that the life her mother subjected her towas not normal. Dunia was able to escape from her mother’s grip but all the abuse she enduredas a child left her vulnerable and susceptible to violent relationships. After years of enduringdomestic abuse, she found strength and meaning through her children. She was finally able to cutthe chains of her abuse in order to provide a better life for them.

Dunia is currently receiving support from Homeboy Industries, an organization that providesservices to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women. Homeboyprovided her with intensive case management and legal services, which helped her get stabilizedand allowed her the space to heal. She was also able to attend school and get certified as a Drugand Alcohol Counselor and Professional Facilitator for victims of domestic violence.

More recently, Dunia joined the CAST Survivor Advisory Caucus. She is also interning withCAST’s Survivor Leadership Program. Dunia is very passionate about speaking out againsthuman trafficking and hopes that by doing so, she will be able to prevent others from falling preyto this hideous crime. Dunia is also the Vice-President of the Alumni Association at Shield’s forFamily, another organization that provided assistance throughout her journey.